Tehran seeking more ties with Baku

Astara, July 9, IRNA – Iran's deputy foreign minister emphasized the development of trade and political relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Development of trade and political relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan has been emphasized by the government of Iran, Gholam-Reza Ansari said during a visit to the port, coast line, customs office, railway station and dock in Astara on Monday.

Astara, a city in the northern province of Gilan on the Caspian Sea, is bordering the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He said that Azerbaijan has so far allocated 500 million dollars to the Astara-Rasht railway.

The railway will play a big role in completion of the North-South Corridor project, he said.

Freight transport via the railway from Astara to Russia and North Africa will cost less than the other alternatives, the Iranian official said, adding that the railway will bring about a big development in the region economy.

With a reference to a no-visa entry for the Azerbaijanis to Iran, Ansari also vowed that the process of issuing visas for Iranian visitors to Azerbaijan will be facilitated.